Asian Tour Yearbook - 2022

95 S H I N H A N D O N G H A E O P E N KOMA COUNTRY C LUB , NAR A , JAPAN | S E PTEMB E R 8 -11 , 2022 | P R IZE MON E Y K RW 1 ,400,000,000 (AP P ROXI MATE LY US$1 ,050, 500) Playing in the penultimate group and trailing Tirawat by one with two to play he birdied the par- five 17th to draw level before the under-pressure Thai golfer bogeyed the 16th to fall one behind. However, Tirawat bravely bounced back with a birdie on the 17th to draw level again before Higa made his brilliant birdie on the last, where he found a greenside bunker from the tee before splashing out to set up his sensational closing putt. That meant Tirawat needed to make a birdie to force a sudden-death play-off, and after missing the green left with his tee shot he chipped to 10 feet giving him an incredible opportunity to tie Higa. To the surprise of the big gallery on 18 the 32 year old just missed the birdie putt before also seeing his short par putt slip by. “I worked so hard during the off season, and it has really paid off,” said Higa, who received a cheque for US$214,650. “I played well today, and hit some great approach shots, but the putts really were not dropping. But I trusted myself, made a lot of pars, and stayed confident.” The 27-year-old Okinawan’s victory was another significant moment in a career which continues to grow exponentially. A two-time winner on the Asian Development Tour soon after turning professional in 2017 he would eventually be victorious four times on the Japan Tour in 2022 and win their Money List. Added Higa: “I was playing in Asia before competing on the Japan Tour, so I am glad to get a Tour card now on the Asian Tour. The Asian Tour is getting bigger!” Tirawat, also the leader at the halfway mark, experienced the full gamut of emotions on the last day. To the amazement of those walking with his group and following at home on television, he holed his second shot on the par-five third, using a three- wood from 277 yards, but then made double on the next. Despite the turbulent start he remained in front until Higa drew level with his birdie on 17. Said Tirawat: “I wasn’t in position to make birdies today. I just kept getting out of position. I lost my focus too many times, like that par putt on 18th, but I am proud of myself.” In addition to celebrating Higa’s fine victory, organisers added to the cheers on Sunday when, after an important signing ceremony, they proudly announced that the Shinhan Donghae Open will be sanctioned with the Asian, Japan, and Korean Tours for an additional three years, from 2023 to 2025. Kazuki Higa celebrates making his birdie putt on the 72nd hole (FAR LEFT). Officials gathered (ABOVE) to announce the tournament would be sanctioned by the three Tours for three more years. PGA Tour star Siwoo Kim (LEFT) tied for fifth. I wasn’t in position to make birdies today. I just kept getting out of position. I lost my focus too many times, like that par putt on 18th, but I am proud of myself. -TIRAWAT KAEWSIRIBANDIT